Celeste Welty

Attraction of the invasive halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) to traps baited with semiochemical stimuli across the United States

ABSTRACT A recent identification of the two-component aggregation pheromone of the invasive stink bug species, Halyomorpha halys (Stål), in association with a synergist, has greatly improved the ability to accurately monitor the seasonal abundance and distribution of this destructive pest. We evaluated the attraction of H. halys to black pyramid traps baited with lures containing the pheromone alone, the synergist methyl (2E,4E,6Z)-decatrienoate (MDT) alone, and the two lures in combination. Traps were deployed around areas of agricultural production including fruit orchards, vegetables, ornamentals, or row crops in Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia from mid-April to mid-October, 2012 and 2013. We confirmed that H. halys adults and nymphs are attracted to the aggregation pheromone season long, but that attraction is significantly increased with the addition of the synergist MDT. H. halys adults were detected in April with peak captures of overwintering adults in mid- to late May. The largest adult captures were late in the summer, typically in early September. Nymphal captures began in late May and continued season long. Total captures declined rapidly in autumn and ceased by mid-October. Captures were greatest at locations in the Eastern Inland region, followed by those in the Eastern Coastal Plain and Pacific Northwest. Importantly, regardless of location in the United States, all mobile life stages of H. halys consistently responded to the combination of H. halys aggregation pheromone and the synergist throughout the entire season, suggesting that these stimuli will be useful tools to monitor for H. halys in managed systems.

Indigenous arthropod natural enemies of the invasive brown marmorated stink bug in North America and Europe

Since the establishment of the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in North America and Europe, there has been a large, multi-group effort to characterize the composition and impact of the indigenous community of arthropod natural enemies attacking this invasive pest. In this review, we combine 98 indigenous natural enemy datasets spanning a variety of sampling methods, habitats, and geographic areas. To date, the vast majority of H. halys biological control research has focused on the egg stage, using sentinel egg masses to characterize indigenous parasitoid and predator communities and their contribution to H. halys egg mortality. Although egg parasitism and predation levels by indigenous natural enemies are low (typically <10% each) in most surveys, total egg mortality attributable to natural enemies can be higher (typically between 5 and 25%; up to 83%)—even though these values were likely underestimated in most cases because some mortality due to biological control was not recognized. In North America, where the most data are available, it appears that the relative prevalence of different indigenous parasitoid species varies among habitat types, particularly between crop and non-crop habitats. Predator species responsible for egg mortality are much less commonly identified, but appear to include a wide variety of generalist chewing and sucking predators. To date, studies of natural enemies attacking H. halys nymphs and adults are relatively rare. Based on our review, we identify a number of key research gaps and suggest several directions for future research.

Insect management and herbicide tolerance in near-isogenic sister lines of transgenic and non-transgenic sweet corn.

Abstract Pest management systems were evaluated in three near-isogenic lines of transgenic and non-transgenic sweet corn. The genetic transformation was reputed to confer resistance to corn earworm ( Helicoverpa zea ) and European corn borer ( Ostrinia nubilalis ), and increase tolerance to the herbicide glufosinate. Plots were planted with either a transgenic line or a non-transgenic sister line. Transgenic and non-transgenic varieties were treated with a herbicide; either glufosinate or bentazon, respectively, applied post-emergence. Ears of the non-transgenic varieties were protected by spraying insecticides every 3–4 days. Transgenic varieties were not sprayed. Glufosinate caused temporary chlorosis (5% or less) and stunting (6% or less) of transgenic sweet corn in one experiment. Bentazon did not injure non-transgenic varieties. Corn earworm and European corn borer control in transgenic sweet corn was superior to that achieved in non-transgenic varieties sprayed with insecticides. Damaged ears of transgenic varieties ranged from 0% to 6% and most damage was restricted to the tip of the silk end. A few small, moribund larvae were recovered. In contrast, 40% of non-transgenic varieties, on average, had damaged ears, despite regular spraying of insecticides. Ears of non-transgenic varieties were damaged more severely and many late-instar larvae were recovered.

Complementing TOMCAST by Developing a Comprehensive Tomato Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program

ABSTRACT Long-term field studies were undertaken to compare TOMCAST to conventional (calendar) spray programs for processing tomatoes in Ohio. In a ten-year period fruit quality, yield and disease control did not differ between fields sprayed with the TOMCAST system compared to calendar spray schedules. In most years TOMCAST reduced the number of fungicide applications. A series of research and demonstration trials were conducted to adapt TOMCAST to changing needs within the processing tomato industry. The influence of cultivar resistance and different fungicides were tested, and fungicide spray intervals were modified to meet the needs of fresh market and whole pack growers. For TOMCAST to be part of a complete tomato IPM program, insect monitoring guidelines were developed to help growers coordinate insecticide and fungicide sprays.